Hawaii State Senate

The Hawai‘i State Senate is accepting applications for a variety of positions for the 2023 legislative session. If you are interested in serving your community, learning more about the legislative process, and working in a dynamic environment, please consider joining our team! General descriptions of the types of positions available are listed below. They are temporary (4-6 month) jobs with start dates in December 2022 or January 2023. The specific duties and requirements for each position may vary depending on the office, and additional details will be provided if you are contacted for an interview.

Effective September 1, 2021, all members and employees of the Senate are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.


COMMITTEE CLERK

Applicants with the ability to think critically, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are needed to support Senate committee operations. Tasks may include policy research, review and analysis of bills, measure tracking, meeting procedural requirements, and other logistics related to the public hearing process. Successful candidates will have excellent communication skills, learn quickly, and be able to prioritize among multiple tasks to meet deadlines. Knowledge of Hawai‘i state government operations, familiarity with Hawai‘i state statutes, and prior legislative or public policy experience preferred. A bachelor's degree, extensive experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, and a working knowledge of online meeting applications is required. This position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Ref#23-01
Ref#23-01


LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT

Applicants must possess strong organizational and communication skills to support general office operations, including answering telephones, managing e-mail accounts, maintaining paper and electronic files, responding to constituent requests, and drafting correspondence, newsletters, and social media posts. Prior experience in an office environment preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Bachelor's degree desirable.
Ref#23-02


BUDGET ANALYST

Perform review and analysis of state government budgets and funding requests submitted by state departments, agencies, and legislative committees. Prepare budget documents, committee reports, and related worksheets for review and approval by the Legislature. Perform other duties as directed. Requires strong analytical and critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. Must be able to work long hours, including weekends and holidays. The ability to interact with government officials and the general public is required. Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.
Ref#23-03


LEGISLATIVE RESEARCHER

The Hawaii State Senate Majority Research Office (SMA) is currently accepting applications for Legislative Researcher positions. The SMA staff provides legal and general legislative drafting and research services to the majority party members of the Senate. During the legislative session, SMA's primary role is to provide research and drafting support to the Standing Committees. SMA includes a Director and Assistant Director, appointed by the Senate President, and numerous Research Attorneys, Researchers, and Clerical staff who are hired by the Director, subject to approval by the Senate President.

Prior to the legislative session that begins the third week of January, the Legislative Researcher drafts research memoranda and bills for introduction per request by the majority Senators. During session, the Legislative Researcher is assigned one or more Standing Committees to facilitate the committee process, drafts legislative documents, and assists the Senate Chair, under the supervision of the Director and Assistant Director. Researchers must be organized and independent yet work collaboratively in a team setting. Successful applicants thrive in a collaborative, dynamic, and deadline-driven environment. Comprehensive training in the legislative process, drafting methods and procedures, and use of support tools will be provided. Mentors will be assigned to provide additional guidance and support.

Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as legislative deadlines may demand.

Specific Duties:

  • Draft bills and resolutions, committee reports, and Senate Drafts of bills and resolutions;
  • Attend Standing Committee hearings, actively listen and take notes, and ensure adherence to rules and quorum requirements;
  • Track legislation;
  • Conduct fact-finding, evaluative, and investigative research as requested by Senators;
  • Respond to inquiries from the Standing Committee members or staff;
  • Make recommendations in the form of research memoranda or letters;
  • Prioritize between multiple tasks to meet all filing deadlines; and
  • Maintain confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Possess a bachelor's degree;
  • Demonstrate strong reading comprehension, organization, time management, and analytical, research, and writing skills;
  • Write clearly and concisely;
  • Grasp and explain complex issues;
  • Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively through verbal and written means;
  • Cultivate strong professional relationships with co-workers, elected officials, and staff;
  • Be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities; and
  • Have working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and online meeting applications.

Ref#23-04

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ATTORNEY

Same duties and requirements as the Legislative Researcher position above (Ref#23-04), but with the following additional requirements: Membership in good standing with the Hawai‘i State Bar Association is required. Applicants must also have the ability to perform legal research and draft legal memoranda or opinions in response to questions from legislators or their staff. Candidates who are licensed attorneys in another state should apply for the Legislative Researcher position (Ref#23-04).
Ref#23-05


DATA-ENTRY CLERK/OFFICE ASSISTANT

Applicants must be organized, demonstrate excellent computer skills, maintain meticulous attention to detail, work efficiently and accurately, and learn quickly. The primary responsibilities of the position center around supporting the intake and processing of legislative documents. Daily tasks include answering phone calls, data-entry, document intake, proofreading, formatting documents, and miscellaneous office support. Applicants must be able to work extended hours on most legislative deadlines. Prior experience in a customer service-oriented office environment preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Bachelor’s degree desirable.
Ref#23-06


VIDEO CONFERENCE SUPPORT STAFF

Individuals with strong computer skills and extensive experience using Zoom are needed to support remote participation for public hearings and control live streaming to YouTube. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to multitask, learn new applications and procedures quickly, and communicate professionally with a wide variety of people, including elected officials and the public. Prior experience with legislative hearings, IT support, and/or multi-camera video production is desirable. This position will be required to report to work at the Hawai‘i State Capitol in downtown Honolulu. Please do not apply if you are only interested in working remotely.
Ref#23-07


To apply, please email cover letter (with Ref#) and resume to:
E-mail: [email protected]

Learn more about the Hawai‘i State Senate at: www.capitol.hawaii.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer